On gay dating sites, the risk might be higher than you would have it with heterosexual online dating. Some online dating singles suggest that is probably because some sick people are out there who wish to harm homosexuals. So while exploring a new gay dating site, it always pays to play it safe.

For gay online dating, being safe and staying safe can be done in a few simple steps. It does not have to be a big deal; forgive the cliché, but a little does go a long way.

How can gay singles stay safe while dating online?

1. Never rush into a date with someone you just met on a gay dating site. Sure, his picture looks cute and he does sound witty when he types, but take the time to go beyond the surface of that gay male and get to know him better.

2. Do not, under any circumstances, give information that will help him track you down. Do not give him your contact address and phone numbers. Do not even tell him where exactly you work. The time for full disclosure comes when you have come to trust him, which might occur after a few face to face meetings.

3. Before you agree to meet a gay man in person, talk to him on the phone first. Voice and verbal nuances can tell you a lot about a man’s personality and behavior. Adding up the clues you might get from a telephone conversation will help you later on.

4. Check out his gay sexual history. While this can be uncomfortable, if he is honest, he will disclose it in a way that makes sense to you.

5. Keep a photo of your potential gay date somewhere accessible, on your computer’s hard disk with a shortcut on your desktop screen, or even pasted on the fridge. If the man turns out to be really likeable rather than a lunatic, you can just take away the evidence of your suspicions.

6. Once you have agreed to meet up with him, make your first date somewhere quiet but public. Somewhere quiet is a place where you can have a decent conversation together. Somewhere public means that you can walk away if you sense something is not quite right.

7. Before you go out on this first gay date, ensure that someone knows where you are going and with whom. Tell a friend or a family member where you are headed and at what time you will return home.

8. Always have a handy excuse to leave at once if necessary, and return home the roundabout way, just to make sure you are not being followed.

Of course, somewhere in there you should try to have some fun! It is a night out, an adventure none the less.

- Roel

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 1:12 am and is filed under Gay Dating, Online Dating, Dating Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.